16/06/2021
First photo of George still scared and not decompressed, and second picture of him blooming at his foster, decompressed and ready to find his forever home. Sadly this has not happened yet, but the rescue is working on it. I am recommending the following for all dogs that are scared of new things, like George.
💟PLEASE, ANY FOSTER THAT TAKES A NEW DOG: ESPECIALLY SCARED ONES, THEIR SUCCESS IS IN YOUR HANDS💟:
Your dog may appear to be on high alert when you receive him. This is normal, he had to be, in order to survive.
Your dog needs decompression and to be left alone, nobody bothering him or requesting anything of him. No family intros (no, junior has to wait if there is one), obviously no dog park, no meeting the neighbor, no exposure to ANYTHING that may set him up to high alert.
He just needs a calm place- no noisy kids, no other dogs for now, no loud noises, no traffic of people around, nothing that will tell him he must protect himself. Remember, this is a dog that has overcome a severe trauma, and his next step is to allow himself to relax, no more extra cortisol in his system, no more anxiety about 'oh my god what now?'
Maybe a small guest room, bathroom, with a cozy bed, open crate covered by a blanket (den), water, some treats and stuffed toys, and classical music. Do not place him in the middle of the living room like a circus monkey. Place him away from any noise or traffic, in a place where he can retreat and do his own thing.
Then someone to carefully and gently change his water, talk to him gently without asking him to do anything, just reassuring him he is okay and everything is going to be fine. Do not ask to cuddle, pet, look into eyes (no go in an afraid dog), ask for anything whatsoever. He is there to receive CALM, PEACE, QUIET, WATER, FOOD, POTTY BREAKS, and IF he chooses to come out of the den eventually... let him approach you for attention.
Calm potty breaks in the yard, and just let him calm down for 2-3 weeks until he realizes that he can relax and not be on alert like he had to be in that hellhole (or unsuitable environment).
Any questions, please let me know
